Saturday, February 23, 2008

In the hockey world, at this time of year, trade rumors swirl around every team. Things are starting to heat up with the trade deadline right around the corner: next Tuesday, February 26th. Unlike most other sports, the NHL does come through with dozens of trades leading up to the deadline, so look for nearly every team in contention to make a move.

What will the Flyers do? A few weeks ago, when they sat near the top of the Eastern Conference, they figured to make a couple of small moves to gear up for the home stretch. Now, as they slip out of playoff contention, they could either go for broke and make some big moves, or do absolutely nothing. I would bet the Flyers do the latter. They have plenty of developing players who will be even better down the road, so there is no reason to think this year will be their best shot. They should have no motivation to unload a truckload of players and prospects to get a star player who will only help them get a round or two into the playoffs.

Regardless of what the Flyers should and shouldn't do, here are the names that are being rumored to come to Philly, and the odds of them being a Flyer:

*Tomas Kaberle, D, Toronto Maple Leafs This one is not going to happen. Apparently Flyers GM Paul Holmgren had a trade in place that would have sent Jeff Carter and a draft pick to the Maple Leafs for Kaberle, but Kaberle refused to waive his no-trade clause, so this deal is dead. Odds: Off*Ryan Suter, D, Nashville Predators The Flyers are interested in this young defenseman with the great lineage. No word on what it would take to get him, but it probably would involve Jeff Carter. Odds: 8-1

*Dan Boyle, D, Tampa Bay Lightning Boyle has also been rumored for weeks, but there has been no indication of what the Flyers would have to give up. Odds: 25-1

*Brad Richards, C, Tampa Bay Lightning The Philadelphia Inquirer says there is no chance he is a Flyer, while Hockeybuzz.com says they are still in the running. The Flyers would have to give up Carter and several other young players and picks to get this superstar. Odds: 100-1

*Phil Kessel, RW, Boston Bruins Holmgren turned down a deal that would have sent Jeff Carter to Boston for Kessel. Kessel is only 20 years old, and I have no idea why the Bruins would even look to trade him. Odds: 50-1

*Mats Sundin, C, Toronto Maple Leafs Just throwing it out there, because it isn't going to happen. The chances that Sundin actually gets moved are remote, and the chances he waives his no trade clause to come to Philly are even more remote. Odds: 10,000-1

You'll notice that all rumors begin and end with whether the Flyers will give up Jeff Carter. He definitely seems to be on the trading block, and for the right return, I wouldn't mind the Flyers shipping him out. Truthfully, though, the Flyers are probably more likely to bring Peter Forsberg back than they are to acquire any of these guys.